Thanksgiving dinner

Dec. 2. By Sara Thomas. Last Thursday our family was able to serve the Cornelius Police, EMS and our two Fire Stations Thanksgiving dinner for the 6th year in a row. Thanks to our generous and thoughtful community this has become a tradition. Donors include Mayor Washam, Commissioner Carney, Antiquity Residents and both Harris Teeter and Food Lion.

It all began in 2019 when I was participating in the Leadership Charlotte Program through Queens University. I had to interview the Fire Chief and learned so many things I have never even contemplated, like how unique our fire departments are in Cornelius. Not only do they serve as first responders to all types of calls above and beyond fires, they are responsible for I-77 and 70 miles of shoreline. I-77 has over 90,000 vehicles traveling through our town daily.

After sharing this with my neighbors in Antiquity they wanted to help; so the next year we started a Go Fund me and were able to add Station 2. It continued to expand to what we have today and each year we are able to not only serve dinner, but help meet other needs such as getting them a grill to cook meals.

Most firemen and women work 48 hour shifts and they do not get stipends to pay for meals. This means cooking as a family. That is why you often see them at the grocery store. Funds will be used to buy gift cards for food for both police and fire.

If you are interested in donating, it’s not too late. There are many needs still not met, click here for more information. 

Thanksgiving 2024